About UPC

Last Week's Sermon

Strangers and Friends

The Reverend Matt GaventaJohn 12:20:33

A Reading from the Gospel of John: Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip …

Testimonials

“My daughter, Caroline, and I went on a mission trip with Don Bobb to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trip has fostered a whole new and different sense of mission for me. UPC’s mission orientation has been a continual source of inspiration for its members, and the Congo mission trip is one of many examples”

— Craig

“In 2003, we returned to Austin and I was reminded that life sometimes brings challenges. Unlike in Memphis, there was no African American Presbyterian Church in Austin. We had to accept the challenge of finding a new Presbyterian church where we could each continue the service we were accustomed to rendering. We were welcomed at UPC with open arms and I found inner peace in knowing that I had a church home in which the presence of God never ceases.”

— Johnnie

“Back in 1998, when we first married, we visited several churches as we searched for the right fit. After that first visit to UPC, I remember, we were so excited as we were driving home from church. The pastors and community genuinely had welcomed us, encouraged our questions, and cheered our exploration of UPC.”

— Maureen

“Disconnected from church for fifteen years, I came to UPC to see if I could begin a faith journey, not walk a faith treadmill. Here I found my doubts and questions were not only accepted, but also encouraged as part of the journey toward an authentic, mature faith.”

— Bobbie

“UPC has been an important part of my life over the past twenty-four years, even more than I could have imagined. I think that we have become more and more mission-focused and justice-focused over time and that, with the help of our staff, we are building a culture that blesses the whole Austin community.”

— Bee

“Over time, my ideas about religious faith have grown, disappeared, wandered, reappeared with timidity, stretched, wavered, and hidden away. This church has provided a safety net for my thinking—a place and a community where I can be in thoughtful dialogue about what it means to learn to know God, even if that process includes doubt.”